AN: Only for the first time. Let's go through the basic of an actor's pay. For the geeks out there. Took some time researching all of it.
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The Dunphys are still buzzing after the signing. Claire clutches the contract like it's a fragile baby. Phil babbles about pools and Halloween commercials.
Cindy smooths her blazer, stepping into her role as "the adult in the room."
Cindy: "Let me translate the deal for you. Neil is working at union scale — that's about $25-30k for the 12-week shoot. This generally excludes the living expenses; but the amenities might be basic. That's why famous actors have explicit extra budget for their staff as they have around 10-15 people with them at any point. Any additional day, he'll also be paid extra."
".. Where he's gold is in his escalators. If the movie grosses over $300 million, his residual payout increases by 10%. And every $100 million after that, it grows again. If by some miracle it passes $500 million, he receives a one-time $1 million bonus."
"...Even if it doesn't reach $500 million, the payout of residuals for a movie that is even $200 million will net him an upwards of additional $200-250k across its lifetime. From the discussion with the staff, I've confirmed that the studio is hopeful for it to earn at least $200M—that's why they even accepted the outrageous condition of a $1M payout. Generally, young actors can only get the Union scale and nothing more."
Phil's jaw drops. "A million and a $200k extra? That's… what's bigger than a pool? A lake? We could have a lake for Neil's swim trainings!"
Claire grimaces. "Phil."
Cindy presses on. "Although. I must warn you too. You need to understand as his legal guardians— Hollywood has not seen numbers like that for a supernatural drama in decades. You remember The Exorcist that the producer spoke of. That was 25-years-ago; and no movie has come close to it in the same genre."
Claire exhales. "So… basically, we should expect twenty-five thousand. Not a million."
Cindy smiles faintly. "Yes. That's the safe assumption."
'However, I'm pretty certain that the movie will surprise us all. I trust my instincts. His eyes, they'll draw more people to the theaters. And also, your son, isn't just being arrogant. He already thought a lot of things through'
---
Flashback: Cindy & Neil, alone
In the hallway. When the parents are talking to a secretary about parking validation. Cindy lingered with Neil.
She lowers her voice. "Why did you sign this deal? You know the bonus is… unlikely. The studio thinks you've wasted your leverage. I could've easily negotiated an additional 30% on residual and a basic of at least $60k instead of current $25k. And with movie's potential of at least $200-250M, it would have netted you around $450k with that additional 30% over the next 5-8 years."
What she didn't mention that, despite all of the rationale. She loved the gamble. Being a senior in the industry, she knows very well that every project can't be a hit. She also thought, after this experience Neil might be humbled enough to not be as Bossy as he is now.
Neil studies her for a beat. He could guess her thoughts in sleep. But he didn't care. Time will prove that he is right.
He shrugged, calm. "I signed such a lopsided deal because I read the script. Even if they know the story and have good faith on its outcome. They don't see the full potential of this film; they are limited by their experiences of the past."
Cindy tilts her head. Professional mask on, curiosity flickering.
Neil: "You've not read the climax, and I can't say much because of the NDA. However, it is a blockbuster surprise. What I can tell you is that every scene is crafted with utmost precision. This screenplay is a work of a genius. Every line. Every scene. The color red. The doors. The framing. The totems. The way dialogues flow. Each of those details rewards the audience when they rewatch it."
"Shyamalan has outdone himself writing this screenplay; and it might even be the finest work for the rest of his directorial life. I'm sure of his vision in this movie. He waited this long to cast the role of Cole. He isn't hasty. How many directors are there who can stand against the Big Studios and won't cast any big-name child star."
Cindy's eyes narrowed slightly, impressed despite herself.
Even though she didn't think much of the new Director yet; but the Touchstone wasn't a small production house. Even without the success of the film, associating with Touchstone itself is a good outcome.
I also dug about the new director; his past works (weren't many) and not of any renown. But he understands the craft at least.
Although the directors with their own scripts are the most bankable. And Shyamalan perfected the script for more than a year and even kept Touchstone hanging because of Cole's role.
All of it tells Cindy that he is not a random short-film director that Touchstone picked. Despite his smaller repute, the director has somehow gained the complete control of the cast, except Bruce Willis that the producers inserted. All of this sounds like imagination, but it happened. However, she still couldn't build the same trust on the movie as Neil did.
'Maybe. The Shyamalan will really surprise us all. Except Tarantino there hasn't been any breakout director in recent times. If this could pan out like Neil said, it would be for the best.'
Neil saw her brows moving and could guess. He leaned forward on the table; his 3-foot stature with a serious expression of baby face looked comical and cute.
Neil: "I know you don't believe it yet. But I can promise you that it is not a cheap horror with classic overused tropes. This movie is genre bending. Philosophical and layered. Clever with teeth. It will shock people once — then make them want to see it again, and again, and again. That's how it will earn. Not on the first weekend. On the fifth, sixth, and the seventh."
Cindy exhales, a small laugh. "You're telling me this will be a cult hit."
Neil nods once. "I can guarantee it."
---
After her conversation that day on the day of signing. Cindy doesn't see a four-year-old prodigy or even a client. She sees a partner. Someone who understands story mechanics, marketing psychology, and the business gamble of cinema — better than most grown actors she's ever signed.
She doesn't say it aloud. She doesn't need to. But inside, she files the moment away:
This boy isn't guessing. He knows. And he's mine for now. And if the gamble pays off; I'll make him into the biggest star that every was. He is only four-year-old now. He has so much potential.
Cindy slept well but still had a nightmare that night. Her pay cut from the movie just 15% of Neil's pay. A mere $3,750.